March 30, 2021
'Trans Lives Are Precious' Reads Billboard Near Trump's Mar-A-Lago Estate
Brendan Walker READ TIME: 2 MIN.
In a bold statement for Transgender Visibility Day and against hate, LGBTQ telehealth company FOLX Health placed a billboard labeled "Trans Lives Are Precious" just miles from former President Donald Trump's Mar-A-Lago estate on Wednesday.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, the billboard will remain in its Palm Beach location from until April 18, with FOLX Health spokesperson Rocco Kayiatos saying that its placement is meant to remind Trump and likeminded individuals that transgender people matter.
"We decided to find the closest billboard to Mar-a-Lago to ensure anyone going there would be forced to look at messaging that says trans folks are precious, they have inherent value," Kayiatos said.
FOLX Health, billed as the first telehealth company specifically outlined with LGBTQ individuals in mind, put out a statement following the billboards reveal to the public.
"The company understands the importance of visibility for transgender folks to see themselves and have their value reflected in culture," the statement read. "With this in mind, FOLX sought out to create a moment deliberately reminding the former president (who focused on dismantling the rights of trans folks) that the community's existence is valid and important."
Kayiatos, a transgender man himself, spoke about the company's decision to follow through with the campaign candidly.
"I didn't imagine I would live in this era of visibility," Kayiatos said. "I never really imagined we would get to a place in my lifetime that there would be not just one billboard but multiple up around the country conveying a message of trans love and inclusion."
In spite of the potential backlash that might come from a display like this, the FOLX Health spokesperson is optimistic about what those who see it will be left feeling.
"My hope is anyone who drives by understands that trans people are people and they are precious," Kayiatos said. "Overall, I want trans people to feel a moment of love and safety when they see it."
